31/08/2026
Some shoots stay with you long after you’ve packed the cameras away. It’s not often a story like this just finds you.
I had the opportunity to direct this fundraising film for Green Riders in South Africa, telling the story of Ayandiswa and the opportunity that completely changed the direction of her life.
I felt a massive responsibility to get it right. The path she has walked makes our own path seem like we are playing life on “easy mode”.
This story is hers and 100% true.
This wasn’t about making a beautiful commercial or showing off the cinematography. It was about honouring her.
We were making a film that Green Riders could put in front of potential funders and say:
This is what your money can actually do.
Ayandiswa had experienced homelessness and circumstances most of us couldn’t imagine.
Green Riders didn’t simply hand her an e-bike. They gave her training, equipment, support and ultimately access to employment in the last-mile delivery industry.
But the thing that stuck with me throughout the entire production was something Ayandiswa said:
“I didn’t need a handout. I just needed a chance.”
That became the heart of the film for me. Everything from the interviews and scripting through to the locations, cinematography, lighting, directing and edit needed to serve that one idea.
I’ve spent years working as a commercial photographer and filmmaker, but projects like this remind me why learning video and storytelling became so important to me in the first place.
Photography can capture a moment. Film gave me the opportunity to let Ayandiswa tell you what that moment actually meant.
I’m incredibly proud of what we made and grateful to everyone who trusted me to tell this story.
If you want to watch the finished Green Riders film, comment “GREENRIDER” and I’ll send you the link.
